Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Korea — Official Communiqué

Diplomacy Seoul, Republic of Korea · 26 June 2026

Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Arrives in the Republic of Korea to Strengthen Bilateral Partnership

His Excellency Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, arrives in Seoul for a working visit aimed at deepening friendship and expanding the two nations' strategic partnership.

26 June 2026, 22:00 KST Seoul, Republic of Korea Embassy of Timor-Leste in Seoul

H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas arrives and is escorted through the hotel lobby

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Bendito dos Santos Freitas, arrived in the Republic of Korea at 10:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, accompanied by an official delegation for a working visit aimed at deepening the friendship and expanding the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Official Welcome in Seoul

Upon arrival at the hotel, Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas and his delegation were greeted with warm informality by Korean counterparts and well-wishers who had gathered to welcome the Timorese delegation. The minister took time to personally greet each guest, exchanging handshakes and business cards — a gesture that set a collegial and friendly tone for the working visit.

Minister Bendito shakes hands warmly with a Korean guest at the hotel — *Warm Greeting* — H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas exchanges a warm handshake with a Korean guest upon arrival at the hotel, reflecting the spirit of friendship that characterizes the bilateral relationship.

Minister exchanges business cards with a Korean counterpart in the hotel lobby — *Exchange of Courtesy* — H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas exchanges business cards with a Korean counterpart in the hotel lobby, a customary gesture of professional goodwill marking the opening of the visit.

Minister shakes hands with another Korean guest as delegations look on — *Building Connections* — H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas shakes hands with another Korean guest, as members of both delegations look on. Each personal greeting reinforced the ties of friendship that underpin the bilateral partnership.

Group photograph — Minister Bendito with three Korean associates at the hotel — *A Moment of Fellowship* — H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas poses for a group photograph with three Korean associates, a warm and informal conclusion to the lobby greetings before proceeding to official engagements.

Also present to receive the delegation were the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Korea, António de Sá Benevides, together with diplomats from the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Seoul. The official reception reflected the close friendship and mutual respect that have long characterized relations between Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea.

Formal Reception at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas was received in a formal protocol setting. Jung Gayeong, Deputy Director-General for Southeast Asian Affairs, presented a bouquet of flowers to the minister as an official expression of welcome on behalf of the Korean government — a diplomatic gesture that marked the opening of the formal engagement between the two sides.

Jung Gayeong presents a bouquet of flowers to H.E. Minister Bendito at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs — *Official Welcome Bouquet* — Jung Gayeong, Deputy Director-General for Southeast Asian Affairs at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presents a bouquet of flowers to H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas as a formal gesture of welcome on behalf of the Republic of Korea. An Embassy of Timor-Leste official stands witness in the background.

Second view of the flower presentation welcome ceremony — *A Symbol of Friendship* — Captured from another angle, the flower presentation ceremony reflects the warmth and cordiality that characterize the diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea.

The presentation of flowers at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs was more than a ceremonial gesture — it was a reflection of the genuine warmth and mutual respect that have defined Timor-Leste's partnership with the Republic of Korea.

Bilateral Meeting Agenda

Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas held a preliminary bilateral consultation with Jung Gayeong, Deputy Director-General for Southeast Asian Affairs, as a prelude to the planned ministerial-level talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Cho Hyung. The two engaged in a direct, candid exchange of views on the state of bilateral relations and the shared priorities for deepening cooperation.

H.E. Minister Bendito and Jung Gayeong in a direct one-on-one bilateral discussion — *Direct Bilateral Exchange* — H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas and Jung Gayeong engage in a direct one-on-one discussion at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seated across from each other in a quiet protocol room as they review bilateral priorities ahead of the full delegation meeting.

Following the preliminary consultation, the full delegations of both countries convened in the formal meeting room. The meeting addressed strengthening cooperation across economic development, human resource development, and enhanced coordination in multilateral forums — particularly the United Nations (UN) and the ASEAN–Republic of Korea (ASEAN–ROK) partnership.

Wide view of the formal meeting room with both full delegations seated — *Full Delegations Convene* — A wide view of the formal bilateral meeting room at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the full delegations of Timor-Leste and the Republic of Korea take their seats around the oval conference table to begin substantive discussions.

Both delegations in full bilateral consultation session with aides taking notes — *Bilateral Consultation in Session* — H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas leads the Timorese delegation across the table from the Korean side, with aides documenting the proceedings as substantive discussions get underway.

Two senior members of the Timorese delegation follow the meeting attentively — *Listening Intently* — Two senior members of the Timorese delegation follow the bilateral meeting with close attention, reflecting the high importance their government places on the outcomes of this working visit to Seoul.

Delegations depart the meeting room as H.E. Minister Bendito and Jung Gayeong lead the way — *Concluding the Session* — H.E. Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas and Jung Gayeong lead their respective delegations as they depart the meeting room at the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following the successful conclusion of the bilateral consultation session.

The two ministers are also expected to exchange views on regional developments and explore new opportunities for cooperation that will deliver tangible benefits to both nations.

The Republic of Korea as a Strategic Development Partner

The Republic of Korea is one of Timor-Leste's key development partners. Over the years, bilateral cooperation has expanded through a wide range of initiatives, including programs implemented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), capacity-building programs for public officials, and labor mobility initiatives that provide employment opportunities for young Timorese in the Republic of Korea.

Key Areas of Bilateral Cooperation

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) development programs
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — higher education opportunities for Timorese students
Capacity-building and training programs for Timor-Leste public officials
Labor mobility initiatives providing employment for young Timorese workers
Coordination in the United Nations (UN) multilateral forums
ASEAN–Republic of Korea (ASEAN–ROK) strategic partnership frameworks

This enduring partnership reflects the shared commitment of both countries to promoting sustainable development, strengthening human capital, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Strengthening Timor-Leste's Regional Role

The visit takes place at a significant time as Timor-Leste continues its preparations to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029. By further strengthening relations with the Republic of Korea, Timor-Leste aims to expand cooperation in strategic sectors, enhance its contribution to regional collaboration, and reinforce its role as an active member of ASEAN and a constructive partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

As Timor-Leste prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029, deepening ties with the Republic of Korea represents a vital step in consolidating the nation's strategic vision for regional leadership.

Embassy of Timor-Leste in Seoul

주한 동티모르 대사관